Pushing the envelope

With the launch of a commemorative series of Irish postage stamps celebrating four of the nation's most important rock legends, we revisit some of the seminal moments in the careers of Phil Lynott, Rory Gallagher, Van Morrison and - first - U2

It’s now just over 26 years since a 15-year-old Larry Mullen pinned a notice to the message-board of Dublin’s Mount Temple Comprehensive School, looking to form a rock ’n’ roll band and get to play the kind of rhythms that just didn’t gel with the Artane Boys band.

Ten studio albums, thousands of gigs and more awards than you could fit in 20 Trabants later, the band who played their first show together in their school hall under the inauspicious moniker Feedback (and later The Hype) are still going strong.

And what a wild, rock ’n’ rollercoaster it’s been! Following a long slow-burn on home-turf, encouraged by friends like Guggi and Gavin Friday and nurtured by the likes of the late Bill Graham and Paul McGuinness, their impressive debut album, the unashamedly idealistic and autobiographical Boy was released through Island in 1980, when they were still teenagers. It peaked at No. 52 in the British charts. Despite its lack of commercial success, the Island deal held and the comparatively bleak and downbeat October followed, entering the hit parade at No. 11, and propelling them out on a long, gruelling and seemingly never-ending tour that hardened their sound, tightened their playing, broadened their minds and strengthened their resolve to succeed.

Their third album – the highly political, personal and polished War – went straight to the top of the charts in 1983, and firmly established Ireland’s very own Fab Four as serious international contenders (that year’s Rolling Stone writers’ poll voted them ‘Band Of The Year’). Anyone who’d missed them live had to settle for Under A Blood Red Sky – the best-selling mini-album recorded on June 5, 1983, at the Red Rocks amphitheatre. At the time, they claimed that there were over 50,000 fans there and nobody disputed it. Fifteen years later, Paul McGuinness laughingly admitted that there’d actually only been 9,000 in attendance. Perception is everything, something the band had obviously realised even then.

The following year, Brian Eno took over knob-twiddling duties from Steve Lillywhite – who’d produced the first three albums – and, with the aid of Daniel Lanois and Tony Visconti, expertly escorted U2’s sound to a different place entirely. Partly recorded in Slane castle, The Unforgettable Fire was a musical rebirth, the sound of a band maturing, exploring and experimenting (they even spent a day recording naked, just to see if it would make any difference). The album went straight in at No 1, and within 12 months sales had passed the million mark.

Their televised appearance at Live Aid in July, 1985, where they completely stole the show with a ten minute performance of ‘Bad’, both confirmed their status as one of the biggest bands in the world and afforded them a little time off the road and space to breathe. They used the break well, exploring new types of music (especially folk, roots and the blues) and trying to get their heads around America. The resulting album, 1987’s The Joshua Tree, described by Bono as, “Our most literate record yet,” was widely acknowledged as a musical masterpiece and became the fastest-selling album of all time.

Then came the tour, the tour-film and the extended sojourn in La-La Land. Although Phil Joanou’s ambitious Rattle & Hum – part documentary, part travelogue and part concert film – was widely panned by the critics, it still did respectably at the box office, while the soundtrack album sold over 14 million copies. The following year, the band embarked on the Lovetown Tour, which culminated in four sold-out night’s at Dublin’s Point Depot. The final night, on New Year’s Eve, 1989, was broadcast to upwards of 300 million people worldwide. At the end of the highly emotional gig, Bono announced the band’s intention to go away and “dream it all up again.”

He was as good as his word. They did. And what a dream it was! Recorded in Berlin and Dublin, 1991’s hilariously titled Achtung Baby was by far and away the most radical departure U2 had ever made – in every sense. By all accounts the most difficult album they’d ever cut, the music was harder and more industrial, the themes darker and far more sexually overt. The band’s image had been completely overhauled as well. Gone were the dusty cowboy boots, denims and bandanas, replaced by leathers, shades and lots of attitude. Suddenly they no longer seemed embarrassed by their status as reluctant rock gods, instead they were embracing it with a vengeance – especially Bono who now seemed to alternate his personalities between two rather dubious fellas named The Fly and McPhisto.

The mammoth ZOO TV tour, with its big screen TV’s, cheap Eastern European cars suspended from the ceilings and nightly phone calls to the White House, was like nothing anyone had ever seen or done before. The tour dragged on for almost two years and spawned an accidental album – 1993’s Zooropa (which featured a cameo by Johnny Cash). The album was edgy, distorted and numb, probably the least emotional record they’d ever made. Probably one of their best as well.

Then came the flirtations with dance culture, and the collaborations with DJ’s and producers like Howie B and Nelly Hooper. 1995’s experimentally ambient Passengers was a U2 record in everything but name, but the real deal came with the long-delayed Pop in 1997. Pop was the sound of U2 gatecrashing their way into the dance party, cutting loose and having fun (they recorded much of it in Miami). The Popmart Tour, which opened in Las Vegas, was a wild, wildly expensive affair – all giant lemons, mad costumes, expensive wind-ups and pyrotechnics. Critical opinions varied, but the band were certainly being talked about.

The new millennium saw U2 ditching all the extras, taking off the make-up and going right back to four-men-on-a-stage basics with All That You Can’t Leave Behind – an album that fully restored any credibility that had been lost during the lost years of mid-’90s overload and made them hip again. Released in 2000 and followed with the hugely successful Elevation Tour in 2001, both showcased a band at the very top of their game and the very height of their powers.

Now, with another greatest hits package out, the stunning new single ‘Electrical Storm’ drops a couple of hints at where they’ll be going next… but you never really know with this bunch. I asked The Edge recently about the band’s future direction and he would say no more than that they were all “really excited.” So should you be.

Of course, there’s far more to the U2 story than there’s space for here. To drop just a few names, places and faces encountered along the way – Sarajevo, Greenpeace, The Simpsons, the supermodels, The Pope, Pavarotti, Burroughs, Ginsberg, The Million Dollar Hotel, The Clarence, The Kitchen, Bush, Clinton, Gibson, Rushdie, Drop The Debt… the list is endless and you could fill books with the stories (as, indeed, many have). All in all, though, I think it’s fair to say that they’ve earned the stamp.

Just don’t expect them to stop pushing the envelope…

POST SCRIPTS

MOST SIGNIFICANT MOMENT July 13, 1985. Jack Nicholson did the introduction from 6,000 miles away and U2 took to the stage at London’s Wembley Arena to play their mid-afternoon Live Aid set. Just three songs in and, much to the rest of the band’s annoyance, Bono seemingly abandoned the set-list and ventured down into the crowd. Edge, Larry and Adam had no choice but to keep playing ‘Bad’ for ten whole minutes as their black-clad singer pulled a girl from the crowd and started to dance with her. It mightn’t have looked so good from their vantage point, but the global television audience was mesmerised. They eventually forgave him when U2’s album and concert sales trebled over the next few months. Nobody knows what happened to the girl.

MOST MEMORABLE SAYING Probably Bono’s live disclaimer for ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’: “There’s been a lot of talk about this next song – maybe, maybe too much talk. This song is not a rebel song, this song is… ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’.”

VIEW FROM THE SIDELINES In February 1993, following almost a solid year of touring Zoo TV, U2 were taking a short break back home before fully embarking on the tour’s European leg. The recently divorced Edge found it easier to continue working than to hang around his suddenly empty house, and so began to demo new material in the studio. The original plan was simply to record an EP but the energy that had been generated on tour was phenomenal and, almost before the band knew what was happening themselves, they were suddenly recording a whole new album. Unfortunately, just as things really began to get going, they had to go out on the road again. Undeterred, they began jetting home to Dublin nightly in order to go back into the studio.

According to Principal Management’s Sheila Roche: “That period in early 1993 was just incredible. The band rarely made any of their own aftershow parties. They’d come offstage and head straight to the airport, fly home to Dublin and work in the studio until 5 or 6 in the morning. Then they’d fly back out to wherever they were playing the next night. I’m sure it was very strange for them too, but it was particularly weird for the crew. For maybe ten days or two weeks, it almost felt like we were all on tour without the band.”

WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW

U2 are about to release their second ‘Best Of’ album, showcasing their 1990-2000 output. Oh, and they’re also about to appear on a stamp.

Five Key Tracks

‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ (1983)

The standout track from 1983’s War album, the anthemic and angry ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ was one of U2’s first overtly political songs. Its definitive performance – captured in the Rattle & Hum movie – came on November 8, 1987, when news of the Enniskillen bombing filtered through to an obviously shocked band onstage at Denver’s McNichols Arena.

‘Pride (In The Name Of Love) (1984)

The first single taken from 1984’s The Unforgettable Fire, ‘Pride’ – partly inspired by the activities of black civil rights leader Martin Luther King - was an instant chart hit and remains a live favourite. Not many people know this, but Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders sang the backing vocals at Dublin’s Windmill Lane (appearing in the sleeve credits as Mrs. Christine Kerr).

‘Where The Streets Have No Name’ (1987)

“I want to run/I want to hide/I want to tear down the walls/That hold me inside.” Although Bono has since rubbished the lyrics, the slow-burning opening track of the The Joshua Tree was the sound of the summer of ’87. In a rare error of judgement, producer Brian Eno actually wanted to erase it from the multi-track during the album’s recording because he felt the band were wasting too much time on it.

‘One’ (1991)

Apparently written in just 15 minutes, when the band were near the end of their tether during the early Achtung Baby recording sessions in Berlin, this bittersweet and highly sexual ballad of love, lust, betrayal and regret was the track that saved U2 and gave them a new lease of life in the early 90’s. Despite its title, there were no less than three videos made for this track.

‘New York’ (2000)

An at least semi-autobiographical song (like the lyrics say, Bono actually had just got a place in New York), this cool, pulsing track from 2000’s acclaimed All That You Can’t Leave Behind seems almost throwaway – a semi-humorous account of one man’s mid-life crisis in a city full of people too busy to notice. However, the song took on a whole new depth and poignancy after the tragic events of September 11th .

Two Key Albums

The Joshua Tree (1987)

U2’s fifth studio album was undoubtedly their ’80s meisterwork. Taking fresh inspiration from Deep South roots, folk, blues and literature, The Joshua Tree saw them moving away from the dark European atmospherics of The Unforgettable Fire and falling headlong into the arms of America. And America was obviously quite happy to catch them. Not only did the band make the cover of Time magazine, but the album became the fastest-selling of all time in the States. At last count, it had sold well over 13 million copies worldwide.

Achtung Baby (1991)

On stage in Dublin’s Point Depot on New Year’s Eve, 1989, a weary and teary Bono announced that the band were going away for a while to “dream it all up again.” Some took that as a hint that U2 were about to break up, but nearly two years later the dream manifested itself in the form of Achtung Baby – a deep, dark and industrial album that took both fans and critics by surprise.

U2 On Screen

Obama Picks U2 Track As One Of His Favourite Songs of 2017

The former US President has compiled a list of his favourite music from 2017 and amongst his top picks is the Extraordinary Mix version of 'Ordinary Love' taken from the deluxe edition of U2's latest album, 'Songs of Experience'.

Watch U2 Go Record Shopping

WATCH: U2 Perform 'Beautiful Day' For BBC Christmas Special

In an exclusive performance at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London, Adam, Bono, Edge and Larry performed 'Beautiful Day' with an orchestra and choir for 'U2 At The BBC' - a Christmas special programme for BBC One.

U2 cover Marvin Gaye Classic

U2 Call For Aung San Suu Kyi To Be Stripped Of Freedom Of Dublin City Award

In a passionate letter, the four members of U2 are calling on Dublin City Council to rescind the honour "bestowed" on Aung San Suu Kyi because of her failure to condemn the ongoing brutal violence in her own country.

10 Hot Press writers share their favourite U2 moments as we get set for the release of Songs of Experience on December 1. On our seventh day, Hot Press Commissioning Editor Roisin Dwyer shares memories of Rattle and Hum and her own brush with death.

10 Hot Press writers share their favourite U2 moments as we get set for the release of Songs of Experience on December 1. On our eighth day, Liessa De Decker talks about early U2 memories, chance encounters, and the bitter glory of 'Sunday Bloody Sunday'.

10 Hot Press writers share their favourite U2 moments as we get set for the release of Songs of Experience on December 1. On our fifth day, Olaf Tyaransen shares a story which reveals a side of Bono that the public rarely see.

10 Hot Press writers share their favourite U2 moments as we get set for the release of Songs of Experience on December 1. On our third day, Hot Press' Head of Photography, Kathrin Baumbach, talks about her relationship with U2, and the band's relationship with her home city of Berlin.

10 Hot Press writers share their favourite U2 moments as we get set for the release of Songs of Experience on December 1. On our second day, Hot Press stalwart Jackie Hayden takes us back to when U2 were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Only One Irish Store Will Stock U2's Latest Limited Edition 12-Inch

A special limited edition version of U2's new song 'The Blackout' will be released in only four stores across the globe to mark the annual Black Friday, with Freebird on Dublin's Wicklow St announcing that they will be stocking it.

U2's Songs of Experience: Tracklist and album photos revealed

Bono Reveals New LP Inspired by "Brush With Mortality"

U2's frontman, who says he's so happy these days that he's actually "singing like a little girl", has told how the writing of the new eagerly awaited album's lyrics was inspired by a health scare and facing his own mortality.

WATCH: U2 share video for new single 'You're The Best Thing About Me'

One of the Best U2 Fan Events Is On Tonight In Dublin... And It's Free

#WelcomeToTheNorthside bring #U241 to the Church Bar tonight. After a jam packed weekend for the Joshua Tree Pre and after events, which seen over 5,000 fans visit the Church Bar over the July weekend, The Church Bar will celebrate U241 tonight with U2 Tribute Zooropa who recently played to a sold out crowed at the Button Factory.

Bono "Deeply Saddened" By Turn Of Events In St Louis

U2 Concert Cancelled Over Safety Concerns

The band's legion of fans in St Louis' were left devastated after Saturday night's concert there was called off at the last minute. Local police said they weren't in a position to "provide the standard protection" required for the audience because of ongoing civil unrest in the city.

U2: The Complete History of Their Live Tours - Vertigo to The Joshua Tree 2017 (Part 4 of 4)

U2: The Complete History of Their Live Tours - Lovetown to Elevation (Part 3 of 4)

U2 have always put more into the crucible of live performance than almost any other band on the planet, endeavouring to make every tour an artistic and creative statement in itself. In advance of the return of their Joshua Tree Tour to Dublin, we chart the circumstances of their tours, recall the iconic moments and the visual highlights and reprise what it is that makes them the world’s pre-eminent live act. By Olaf Tyaransen

U2: The Complete History of Their Live Tours - War to The Joshua Tree (Part 2 of 4)

U2 have always put more into the crucible of live performance than almost any other band on the planet, endeavouring to make every tour an artistic and creative statement in itself. In advance of the return of their Joshua Tree Tour to Dublin, we chart the circumstances of their tours, recall the iconic moments and the visual highlights and reprise what it is that makes them the world’s pre-eminent live act. By Olaf Tyaransen

U2: The Complete History of Their Live Tours - U2-3/Another Day to October (Part 1 of 4)

U2 have always put more into the crucible of live performance than almost any other band on the planet, endeavouring to make every tour an artistic and creative statement in itself. In advance of the return of their Joshua Tree Tour to Dublin, we chart the circumstances of their tours, recall the iconic moments and the visual highlights and reprise what it is that makes them the world’s pre-eminent live act. By Olaf Tyaransen

PHOTO GALLERY: U2's Stunning Return to Croke Park

U2 Return To Dublin In Triumph

It is 30 years since the release of The Joshua Tree catapulted U2 to the forefront of contemporary music. At their Croke Park homecoming, they reaffirmed that they are still up there, at the very top of the tree. By Roisin Dwyer

The U2 Covers: No. 39, "The Edge on tour"

The U2 Covers - No. 35: 'U2 Put The Boots In'

As U2 geared up for the release of No Line On The Horizon, they met HP to talk about the creation of their latest masterwork, meeting world leaders, the way they’re perceived in Ireland, the current state of the music business and their future plans.

The U2 Covers: No. 40, "It was 40 years ago today..."

The U2 Covers - No. 34: 'U2: The Stories Behind Their Greatest Songs'

Niall Stokes draws on his best-selling book Into The Heart: The Stories Behind The Songs Of U2 to offer a unique insight into the way in which some of the greatest songs in the history of popular music came into being.

The U2 Covers - No. 26: 'Adam Clayton: A Bass Odyssey'

The U2 Covers - No. 25: 'Pop: The Questions'

Having followed U2 on their tour of North America in 1997, Mike Edgar - a broadcaster for the BBC's Across The Line programme, reported from the band's homecoming Dubin gigs and from their newly-added Belfast date.

U2 Fans Being Ripped Off By Dublin Hotels

The U2 Covers - No. 24: 'A Night On The Tiles With U2 And Oasis'

Nope, July 21 won't be the first time that U2 and the Gallagher brothers (Ok, just one of the Gallaghers) have played to a stadium crowd. Back in 1997, Hot Press Neil McCormick went on tour as two of the world's biggest bands played together in San Francisco.

U2 tribute act Zooropa to play Dublin's Button Factory

THE U2 COVERS: No. 20, “U2's Greatest Hits”

Bill Graham and Niall Stokes take us through the fans' vision of the fab four's dream album. We asked the fans to vote for U2's Greatest Hits and they did - in their thousands. The result is a selection of 20 tracks which would combine to produce a record to rank among the weightiest and most powerful anthologies in the history of rock.

THE U2 COVERS: No. 17, “The U2 Incident”

THE U2 COVERS: No. 16, “The Bono Interview”

Upon the release of "Rattle And Hum" in 1988, Bono talked with Liam Mackey about how he confronts the criticisms which have been heaped on U2's sprawling opus, and discusses the price of fame, the dark side of touring, heroes and villains, and the armed struggle in Northern Ireland.

WATCH: U2 perform new song on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Bono Tells Trump: "You're Not Welcome Here!"

It's certainly not a case of "With or Without You!" but more of a case of "without you or with out you" when it comes to the controversial US President attending The Joshua Tree anniversary tour, as far as Bono is concerned. "People who voted for Trump are welcome here but he’s not," Bono has warned.

The Joshua Tree: The Original Hot Press Review

Having championed U2 since their earliest days, and been instrumental in introducing them to Paul McGuinness, the late Bill Graham was the music writer who perhaps knew the band best. In a landmark review of the record that made U2 superstars, he analyses the American influences the band had taken onboard – and highlights the qualities that turned the album into a phenomenon.

The Joshua Tree 30th Anniversary Countdown: The Ones That Got Away!

Today is the 30th anniversary of the release of The Joshua Tree. To occasion, we bring you the last of our key tracks that didn't make it onto the final cut of the album. Stay tuned for our Joshua Tree cover story during the day.

The Joshua Tree 30th Anniversary Countdown: The Ones That Got Away!

Barking Up The Right Tree - The Story Behind The Joshua Tree Album Cover

A graphic artist and a musician in his own right, Dublin born Steve Averill has designed every album cover for U2, from Boy to Songs of Innocence. Here, Steve recollects how the seminal cover of The Joshua Tree was created – and emphasises the fresh relevance of the album today.

The Message - The Enduring Legacy of The Joshua Tree

On March 9, it will be 30 years since the release of The Joshua Tree, a record that transformed U2 into the biggest rock band in the world. In this issue of Hot Press, we look back to the genesis of the album, how it was put together and and what made it work. And ask: has it stood the test of time?

U2 fans launch Kickstarter campaign to make fan film Dream Out Loud

The Joshua Tree comes at No. 3 on Irish Album Charts

Following the announcement that U2 will be embarking on an American and European tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking fifth album, The Joshua Tree has sailed in at No. 3 on this week's Irish Album Chart.

U2 Party Weekend With Cover Band Planned To Celebrate Croke Park Gig

U2 fans will get the chance to party away in the company of a great tribute band at a special two night event being organised at The Church Bar venue in Dublin on the weekend of the historic Croke Park gig to celebrate the seminal classic album 'The Joshua Tree' in July, it has just been announced.

U2 rule-out a second Croke Park show

If you missed out on tickets to the U2 gig, Ryan Air has a solution

The Joshua Tree Tour: Dates & Ticket Prices

Having yesterday announced a North American and European tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking album The Joshua Tree, we can now reveal ticket prices for the July 22 concert at Croke Park and when they can be purchased.

Trump’s Shock Victory Played Part In U2’s Decision To Postpone New Album

The Edge has revealed that controversial President-elect Donald Trump’s shock election victory was a contributing factor in U2’s decision to postpone their eagerly anticipated new album, ‘Songs of Experience.’

Peter Murphy cast a retrospective ear over The Joshua Tree

From the archives: Hot Press met U2 back in 1987 following the release of The Joshua Tree

It took the combined force of Hot Press' Editor Niall Stokes and U2 journalist extraordinaire Bill Graham to thrash it out with the four members of U2 back in 1987 to uncover the method and the magic behind their seminal album THe Joshua Tree.

Amazing Chance To Watch U2 Band Rehearsal

U2 usually play some of the biggest venues in the world, but they’re now going to give some of their lucky fans the chance to watch them perform in one of the most intimate settings possible for a very worthy cause.

U2 Promise Fans "A Very, Very, Special" 2017

#U240 Obscure Track of the Day No. 7

In our celebration of the 40th Anniversary of U2’s first rehearsal in Larry Mullen’s kitchen, here on hotpress.com we are featuring a stream of articles, recollections and opinions about U2. As part of that extravaganza, for your delight and delectation, we've been highlighting obscure U2 tracks!

#U240 Obscure Track of the Day No. 6

In our celebration of the 40th Anniversary of U2’s first rehearsal in Larry Mullen’s kitchen, here on hotpress.com we are featuring a stream of articles, recollections and opinions about U2. As part of that extravaganza, for your delight and delectation, we've been highlighting obscure U2 tracks!

#U240 Obscure Track of the Day No. 5

In our celebration of the 40th Anniversary of U2’s first rehearsal in Larry Mullen’s kitchen, here on hotpress.com we are featuring a stream of articles, recollections and opinions about U2, over the 7 days of 'U2 Week’. As part of that extravaganza, for your delight and delectation, we are nominating an obscure U2 track every day! Your guide to the vaults: Valentina Magli

The Message: And Then There Were Four

It is just over 40 years, since Larry Mullen put the note on the noticeboard in Mount Temple Comprehensive, which led to the formation of U2. As various contributions to this special issue of Hot Press confirm, that gesture changed the world for millions of people all over the globe. But that they are still together is perhaps the band’s greatest achievement...

#U240 Obscure Track of the Day No. 4

In our celebration of the 40th Anniversary of U2’s first rehearsal in Larry Mullen’s kitchen, here on hotpress.com we are featuring a stream of articles, recollections and opinions about U2, over the 7 days of 'U2 Week’. As part of that extravaganza, for your delight and delectation, we are nominating an obscure U2 track every day!

#U240 Obscure Track of the Day No 3

In our celebration of the 40th Anniversary of U2’s first rehearsal in Larry Mullen’s kitchen, here on hotpress.com we are featuring a stream of articles, recollections and opinions about U2, over the 7 days of 'U2 Week’. As part of that extravaganza, for your delight and delectation, we are nominating an obscure U2 track every day!

#U240 U2: The Gig That Got Away

McGonagles, in South Anne Street, Dublin, was one of the vital breeding grounds for young rock bands in Ireland towards the end of the 1970s. It was there that U2 did their ‘Jingle Balls’ gigs, which were a crucial formative moment for the band. But negotiating their way through those early days wasn’t always entirely straightforward…

#U240 Obscure U2 Track of the Day No.2

In our celebration of the 40th Anniversary of U2’s first rehearsal in Larry Mullen’s kitchen, here on hotpress.com we are featuring a stream of articles, recollections and opinions about U2, over the 7 days of 'U2 Week’. As part of that extravaganza, for your delight and delectation, we are nominating an obscure U2 track every day!

#U240 Obscure U2 Track of the Day

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of U2’s first rehearsal in Larry Mullen’s kitchen, we will be featuring a steady stream of articles, recollections and opinions about U2, over the next 7 days of 'U2 Week', here on hotpress.com.

#U240 U2: It was 40 Years Ago Today

On September 25, 1976, a bunch of young Dublin teenagers, ranging in age from 13 to 16, gathered in a house in Artane to see if they could make a decent noise. Among those present on the day were Larry Mullen – who had made the call for like-minded souls by pinning a note pinned to the notice-board in Mount Temple Comprehensive – Paul Hewson, Adam Clayton and Dave Evans. Also there was Ivan McCormick, an aspiring guitar player, who wanted in on the action…

U2 announce world tour for next March

In the new issue of Hot Press, Olaf Tyaransen chats with the award-winning filmmaker about the extraordinary events leading up to U2's triumphant gigs in Paris, now immortalised on iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE: Live In Paris

Eagles Of Death Metal With and Without U2 in Paris

24 days after the Bataclan tragedy in Paris, U2 gave back to Eagles Of Death Metal the stage that was "stolen from them", as Bono put it, by inviting the five members to join his band in front of 20,000 people. Jean-Pierre Sabouret, who was in The Bataclan on November 13, writes...

U2's Paris shows "the perfect answer"

Veteran rock journalist Jean-Pierre Sabouret was at Le Bataclan the night of the horrific attack that left 89 dead. He checks in with Hot Press having been there to see the return of Eagles of Death Metal last night

WATCH: Fan footage of U2 and Patti Smith in Paris

The 2FM man checked in with Hot Press following the first of U2's shows in the City of Light. The reaction to the band's much-anticipated return to the French capital, he says, was something special...

Patti Smith Joins U2 For Emotional Return To Paris

U2 in Paris:

As the iNNOCENCE and eXPERIENCE tour finally comes to Paris, it's sure to be an emotional night. We'll be updating throughout the evening as the City of Lights welcomes Dublin's finest to the first of 2 nights at the AccorHotels Arena. [photo by Eoin McLoughlin]

WATCH: Bono, Edge, Miley & Jessie J at the NYC World Aids Day gig

The Week That Was U2

Last week, from Monday 23rd November to Saturday 28th November we had the most incredible experience with U2 taking over Dublin in the most thrilling way. Each of the four shows were unique, each night was spectacular.

WATCH: U2 serenade Christy Dignam in the 3Arena

Imelda May Joins U2 For Final Epic Dublin Show

Bono, Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen knew that when they took the iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE tour to Dublin, it would be an emotional time. But even their expectations were surpassed – and then some – on a spectacular final night...

U2: The Fans! Night Two: Tuesday 24th November

The Edge Interview

In the run up to their Irish sojourn, The Edge spoke to Hot Press in an exclusive interview, in which the U2 guitarist gave an extraordinary insight into the band's meticulous approach to their Irish shows, talks openly about the state of the music industry, the bad luck that seemed to stalk the band at the start of the tour cycle and the benefits of that Apple deal - as well as the rise of Donald Trump and repealing the 8th amendment.

U2 Live at 3Arena in Dublin - Monday

Willie Williams on U2

Whoever was privy to U2's gig last night must have been in awe of the incredible show the band put on this time. The designer Willie Williams lifts the lid on conjuring up one of the most captivating shows of the band's career.

U2: Exclusive shots offer a glimpse into the past

While the countdown to their 3Arena shows is in full swing, we occasionally like to look back at where our fantastic four came from - and some never-seen-before shots in the current issue of Hot Press bring the memories flooding back

U2 In Belfast: Raised By Wolves A Highlight

At the SSE Arena in Belfast tonight, Bono, Adam, Larry and the Edge were in scintillating form, mixing classic U2 hits with tracks from the acclaimed Songs of Innocence. But the ultimate show-stopping moment was their performance of ‘Raise By Wolves’. And relax: there was no riot... Report: Edwin McFee

In our U2 Special Collectors’ Issue, long-time sound whizz for the quartet reveals some of the secrets of their state-of-the-art show, and explains the challenges of breaking down barriers to create something never seen before

U2 guest on new series of TFI Friday

U2 Rock Stockholm

The band’s Swedish appearances may have been disrupted by a security alert, but they turned in four blistering performances in Stockholm, which underlined their status as the greatest rock ’n' roll band on the planet. PHOTO: J. Lundgren

WATCH: The Edge singing & in conversation

U2’s ‘Every Breaking Wave’ is Hot Press Track of 2014

Choice cut from Songs of Innocence grabs top spot in our end-of-year poll
The release of Songs of Innocence may have caused a storm at the time, but now that the dust has settled, the quality of U2’s newest LP is clear for all to see.

WATCH: U2 and Bruce Springsteen in New York

Watch U2 Minus 1 perform live for World Aids Day

Adam Clayton, The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr. will be joined by Bruce Springsteen and Coldplay’s Chris Martin at a special gig to celebrate World AIDS Day in Times Square in New York - live from 12.20 am Irish Time.

Bruce Springsteen Joins U2 (minus Bono)

“This year is a World AIDS Day like no other,” says Bono. But his injuries will prevent the singer from performing at U2’s planned celebration in New York, that will also star Chris Martin, as well as Kanye West and Carrie Underwood...

Bono injured in bike accident

Bono cheats death at 8,000 feet

High Flying Words - Hot Press meets U2

When U2 released their latest album Songs of Innocence free on iTunes, it sparked a furious and often heated debate. But after 30 million downloads and close to 100 million listens, the attention is finally shifting to the music. On the way to a TV show in Germany, Hot Press caught up with Adam, Bono, Edge and Larry...

Bono apologises for manner of album release

Win White Vinyl edition of U2's Songs of Innocence

To celebrate the physical release today in Ireland of U2's Songs Of Innocence, we're giving away four copies of the extremely sexy looking 2 x 12" white vinyl limited-edition that we unwrapped this morning on hotpress.com...

Apple reveal U2 album stats

Apple have revealed that in addition to it automatically appearing in libraries, 26 million iTunes users have actively downloaded Songs Of Innocence with 81 million ‘experiencing’ the album through iTunes, iTunes Radio and Beats Music.

WATCH: U2 perform on a New York skyscraper

WATCH: U2's full 'Invisible' video

U2 pass three million download mark + Bono talks to Zane Lowe

U2’s ‘Invisible’ managed to notch up over three million downloads during the 24-hour period it was available for free, which the Bank of America matched by donating over $3 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

U2 to debut new single during Super Bowl

Dave Fanning 'first time play from U2' turns out not to be them

There was excitement – then much head scratching last night among the U2 community when Dave Fanning announced on his 2fm show “I’m going to give you something now, a brand new, first time play which is from U2. This song here, will it be on the album? Just a blast! Brand new, ‘Invisible.’”

U2 to release 360° Tour concert DVD

New U2 remix album

Older, Smarter, Wiser

Through ten years of extraordinary turbulence, other contenders have squared up to U2 – but the Irish four-piece have seen them all off to retain their crown as the biggest, and millions would agree the best, band in the world.

It Might Get Loud Opens In Dublin

U2's 'One' Tops Fanning's Fab 50

U2 have yet again claimed first place in Fanning’s Fab 50 on RTÉ 2fm, with the extraordinary 'One' – which first appeared on the Achtung Baby album, and has since gone on to become U2's most popular and enduring song.

The Tweetest Thing

U2 support music teacher initiative

The Edge remembers Michael Jackson

The current issue of Hot Press includes an exclusive interview with The Edge in which he talks about meeting Michael Jackson, the singer's death, criticism of U2 in Ireland, blogging and the controversy over U2’s carbon footprint. He also gives a unique insider’s view of how U2’s 360º Tour works.

U2 set new ticket sales record

U2 score their seventh American number one album

Reading between the line (part 1)

As U2 gear up for the release of No Line On The Horizon, they meet HP to talk about the creation of their latest masterwork, meeting world leaders, the way they’re perceived in Ireland, the current state of the music business and their future plans.

Vote for the greatest ever U2 song

U2 talk to Hot Press about their new album, the recession, politics and more

Hot Press was granted unique access to U2, interviewing all four members as they rehearsed for their recent Brit Awards appearance. They talk about No Line On The Horizon, how they're viewed in Ireland, the current state of the music business and more...

U2 and others call for copyright extension

Edge, this song doesn't have a chorus...

Niall Stokes draws on his best-selling book Into The Heart: The Stories Behind The Songs Of U2 to offer a unique insight into the way in which some of the greatest songs in the history of popular music came into being.

U2 book signing causes mayhem on O'Connell St

McGuinness opens up on Zoo TV, The Netherlands move and much more

U2 manager Paul McGuinness has broken the band's silence about the decision to move their financial operations to the Netherlands. The decision inspired considerable criticism in Ireland, notably from the Labour spokesman on Finance, Joan Burton TD.
In an interview that will appear in the new edition of Hot Press, McGuinness defends the band's position in a strongly worded statement of the underlying logic.

U2 confirm next single and DVD release

U2 head all-star New Orleans telethon

In one of the starriest line-ups we've seen since Live 8, celebs and artists led by U2 are rallying together to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. A special telethon will be aired on all six US networks as well as Sky One tonight.

U2 set Album Chart record

U2 win court battle with former stylist

U2 have won their court battle with former stylist Lola Cashman over tour memorbilia and clothing they claim she stole while employed by the band during their Joshua Tree world tour in 1987. The verdict was announced this morning (Tuesday July 5) to a packed Dublin Circuit Civil Court by Mr Justice Matthew Deery. Neither Ms Cashman nor members of U2 were present to hear the verdict.

U2: The Countdown to Croke Park

"We Went Out For A Drink And They Were Drinking Lemonade Shandy!"

Steve Lillywhite, who produced U2's first three albums – and has featured on the production team of almost all of their records – looks back over the band's career and recalls the highs... and the lows

Live At The King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels

There could be no better illustration of how U2 have become global icons. Kick-starting the European leg of their Vertigo tour in Brussels’ King Baudouin Stadium on June 10, the old anti-sectarian favourite ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ electrified the crowd like no other. Here, however, it had been transformed from its original intent as a plea to end bloodshed in Northern Ireland into a hymn for religious harmony among the ‘sons of Abraham’ – Christians, Jews and Muslims.

U2 set to release new single

U2 announce extra Croke Park date

U2 Me Are Everything

Backcombed bouffants, mullets and white boy Afros. No, we’re not talking about The A – Z Of Really Bad Haircuts, but the new Anton Corbijn photo-book, U2 & I, which serves up a pictorial history of the band from February 1982 (New Orleans) to April 2004 (Portugal). Pictures supplied courtesy of Anton Corblin/ U2 & I published by Schirmmer/Mosel

Blinded By The Light

Dateline San Diego, March 28th: with seven songs from their world-beating Vertigo album in the set, on the opening night of their world tour, it quickly became clear that – the occasional glitch notwithstanding – U2 have re-imagined their live set with remarkable success. Tara McCarthy asks: how do they do it?

U2 honoured in Rock 'n' Roll's 50th anniversary year

U2 Even Better Than THe Real Thing

As U2 get ready to launch their Vertigo World Tour in San Diego, a whole gaggle – or should that be whoop? – of Irish artists have covered their songs on the Today FM supported Even Better Than The Real Thing.

U2 Tour Update

U2's Clarence Set For Expansion?

With How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb dominating the Christmas sales rush, U2 have firmly re-established their place at the top of the rock tree. Now comes further evidence of the expanding ambitions of Ireland's biggest ever showbiz export.

U2 album goes number one across the world

U2: On Your Marks, Get Set VertiGo!

U2 are about to unleash their new album How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. The world’s media are descending on Dublin. And Bono is back at the punch-bag, getting into fighting shape before the shit storm really explodes. The gloves are off. He’s got work to do. And he’s going to do it. Words Stuart Clark, additional reporting by Niall Stokes.

U2: Apple iPod + album frenzy

Welcome to the epicentre

Last night began a momentous chapter for the world’s biggest band. For U2, it was the first live airing and radio/internet broadcast of material from their eleventh studio album, How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. For those in attendance, it was an opportunity as rare as they come. The location: Dublin, Ireland. More specifically, at the album’s birthplace, in their Hanover Quay studios. Hot Press editor Niall Stokes was in attendance to feel the impact and capture the aftershock. [photos by John Dardis, courtesy of U2]

U2 announce official album details

U2: Single Details Confirmed.

As first revealed by hotpress.com "Vertigo" has been confirmed as the first single to be taken from the band's as yet untitled 11th studio album. Due to hit the racks on November 5th, 'Vertigo' is an epic U2 track laced with big guitars and soaring vocals.

U2 snapped in Portugual

Incoming...

While 2004 has not been an especially spectacular year to date, there is good reason to believe that rocks big guns are likely to deliver the kind of records that will revive spirits in the industry. Chris Donovan previews some of the albums that are likely to top the sales – and the critical – charts before 2004 is out...

Incoming...

While 2004 has not been an especially spectacular year to date, there is good reason to believe that rocks big guns are likely to deliver the kind of records that will revive spirits in the industry. Chris Donovan previews some of the albums that are likely to top the sales – and the critical – charts before 2004 is out...

Superbowl Setback

Lights, Camera, Rock action

Russian cosmonauts, mexican desperadoes and cranky italian elephants – it’s all in a day’s work for solo too supremo Ned O’Hanlon, the man entrusted with documenting the multi-media extravaganza that is the U2 live experience.

The 'Hands' that conquered the Globe

Matters of Life & Death

At the end of an exciting, painful and earthshaking year, Bono reflects on the political and the personal – from drop the debt, September 11, Afghanistan and Genoa to the death of his father Bob, the birth of his son John and the enduring friendship which underpins U2’s music and career. Interview: Niall Stokes
[this interview originally appeared in the spectacular Hot Press Annual 2002 - used in the pictures below - a very limited number of this unique collectors item will shortly be on sale - email [email protected] to reserve a copy]

Bono speaks on CNN's Larry King Show about the African AIDS crisis

U2 frontman speaks about "the biggest pandemic since the bubonic plague" and urges middle America to use their nation's huge financial power and get involved. "Our age will be remembered," he says, "for three things: the war against terror, the Internet, and how we let an entire continent burst into flames and stood around with water in cans"

Closer to the Edge

With a new 'best of' bringing the band's story up to date U2's guitar man steps forward to riff on good times and bad, the private life of a public figure, discovering the secrets of the universe on mushrooms and why, after all these years, few things match the high of being a member of U2.
Special hotpress.com members edition: "director's cut" featuring interview sections unavailable anywhere else.

Close to The Edge

With a new ‘Best Of’ bringing the band’s story up to date, U2’s guitar man steps forward to riff on good times and bad, the private life of a public figure, discovering the secrets of the universe on mushrooms, and why, after all these years, few things match the high of being a member of U2

On the batter

U2 up for 4 MTV awards

Bono: leading from the front

The planet's most famous lead singer continues his humanitarian campaign, contributes to fundraising book project and appears on Oprah. Oh, and a Frank Sinatra cover and landmark U2 memorabilia exhibition are also en route

The odd couple?

U2 got a lot to answer for

Hot Press readers worldwide want to know about Bono for president, Larry for lead singer, that mysterious tattoo, the greatest book, and more. Bono and Larry smoulder on the coals of the hp mixed grill

All that you can't leave unasked

Record time

Workaholics to a man and clearly unable to grasp the concept of time off, U2 already have much of their next album (due out in '03) in the bag - and apparently it's poppier and "more immediate" than All That You Can't Leave Behind

In the name of love

Via a petition that has gained signatures from round the world, U2 fans rally to save band headquarters Hanover Studios from mandatory demolition by the Dublin Docklands Authority: "What if Memphis tore down Sun Studios?"

Wide awake on the web

The big picture

On 25 August 2001 - twenty years after first appearing there in support to Thin Lizzy - U2 play Slane Castle. NIALL STOKES reflects on the extraordinary journey that has led up to this historic, and beautiful, day

Ace of bass

The crowd beneath their feet

They may sport one of the most original sounds in rock’n’roll – but along the way they’ve been influenced by some of the greats.
STUART BAILIE identifies the ten (plus!) key influences on the music of U2

Full circle

Easter Rising

A Peter Frampton cover version, a flautist and female backing vocalists were all elements of FEEDBACK’s first ever live concert performance, yet this was th eoutfit that would eventually become U2.
COLM O'HARE recalls the event

U2

Heart Stopping

The heart is a bloom, but you knew that already. Bono's lead line on 'Beautiful Day' effectively sets the tone for this new scheme. Great things can be nurtured, he tells us. Scepticism is out and old-fashioned hope is the greatest buzz around. So it's entirely fitting that the stage for the band's Elevation Tour should be framed by a massive, pulsating heart.

All That You Can't Leave Behind

When we last left U2, at the conclusion of 1997’s Pop, they were marooned on a spaghetti Golgotha, shouting, “Wake up dead man!” at a god who had apparently reneged on his promise to live forever. Well pilgrims, here’s the resurrection shuffle.

Melon, Remixes for Propaganda

U2: The Book of Genesis

Are Bono and the boys just a really good rock band or have they succeeded where the priests and politicians have failed and unlocked the neuroses of our colonial past? Joe Jackson indulges in a spot of cultural sparring with John Waters and finds the author of Race of Angels: Ireland and the Genesis of U2 well able to maintain his guard.

Stay (Faraway, So Close)

Lemon

EVEN BETTER THAN THE SURREAL THING

IN THE FIRST PART OF A WORLD EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW IN THE LAST ISSUE OF HOT PRESS, BONO UNVEILED THE NEW U2 ALBUM, SPOKE ABOUT ITS GENESIS IN CYBERPUNK LITERATURE AND THE BAND'S HUNGER TO PUSH ROCK'N'ROLL TO ITS LIMITS. HERE HE ELABORATES ON HOW U2 GO ABOUT WRITING THEIR SONGS AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF GLOBAL CHAOS, HIS ARTISTIC REFERENCE POINTS OUTSIDE MUSIC, THE SUBVERSIVE POWER OF HUMOUR, AND HOW HE ADMIRES THOSE WHO 'PARTICULARLY AGGRESSIVELY' DON'T BELIEVE IN GOD. AND THEN THERE'S THE STORY ABOUT JOHNNY CASH AND THE EMU. CAN THIS MAN BE FOR SURREAL? INTERVIEW:JOE JACKSON.

THE MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR

...IS COMING TO TAKE YOU AWAY! WHEN JOE JACKSON WENT TO INTERVIEW BONO AT U2'S SECRET DUBLIN RECORDING BASE, HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT TO EXPECT. WHAT HE GOT WAS A CRAZY ROLLERCOASTER RIDE THROUGH THE EXTRAORDINARY WORK-IN-PROGRESS WHICH WILL BECOME U2'S FOLLOW-UP TO THE ACCLAIMED "ACHTUNG BABY!", WITH BONO AT THE WHEEL AND AN UNSEEN PRESENCE WORKING THE ACCELERATOR LIKE A DEMON. "RECORDS SHOULD BE MORE OF A TRIP," SAYS THE MAN IN THE WRAPAROUND SHADES. FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS THEN. THIS WILL BE NO ORDINARY RECORD. AND THIS IS NO ORDINARY INTERVIEW.

Achtung Baby

There is no question about it. He may look as if he's been dipped in a bottle of red ink but it is Adam who stands there bollock naked before the camera and the world on the back sleeve of the latest, long playing opus from the band whose name begins with U and ends with 2. And is that Eve who hovers topless behind Bono on the front?

THE VERDICT

When Adam Clayton was arrested in Dublin in August of 1989 and charged with possession of 19 grammes of cannabis with intent to supply, it placed U2's immediate future as a live band in jeopardy. Trial report: Liam Fay.

ROCKIN' ALL OVER THE STATES

The Joshua Tree

"The Joshua Tree" clarifies how U2's vocation has become the revival and renewal of rock and the recovery of its most romantic values. It also highlights the group's new commitment to the song. Review by Bill Graham

THE DRUMMER'S DISABILITY

Amid rumours and press reports that his career could be at an end, Larry Mullen reveals the truth about the extent of an injury to his hand that is becoming a common problem for rock drummers. Interview: Niall Stokes

War

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

Boy

"U2 make me think", it's been said. That criterion is used a lot these days, because as rock'n'roll gets older, its priorities and values change. It spreads itself out and becomes more adjustable, like a toy.